Do nuns *have* to cut their hair short

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Sneaux

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I’ve looked it up, I’ve seen yesses and nos…does it depend on the order? Can they have long hair?
 
hi, from what I know I think veiled Sisters will as it makes it easier for the veil, as for sisters that do not wear the veil, I know of some young apostolic Sisters who have shoulder length hair but tie it up, the unveiled older Sisters I have seen usually have short hair but I am not sure if its a requirement
 
Why would nuns want to wear their hair long? For God, for others, or perhaps even for a degree of vanity?
 
Some cloistered communities require short hair so that no time is wasted putting it up in the morning.

from “RULE AND CONSTITUTIONS OF THE DISCALCED NUNS OF THE ORDER OF OUR BLESSED LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL, 1928:”

“80. …They are to keep their hair cut, in order not to lose time in dressing it.”
(I found this here but I couldn’t figure out how to give proper attribute).

You can find a lot of information from people who have been involved, or are involved, in religious life at the Phatmass phorum, in the section Vocation Station.
 
Women did not use to cut their hair. At the turn of the century, 1900, it became the fashion for women to ‘bob’ their hair, but was considered scandalous. This was a time when the longer skirts and long-sleeves also were shortened. The ‘roaring 20’s’ brought about sleeveless tops. The link you posted is dated 1928. For a woman to cut her hair is a modern innovation. I disagree that keeping long hair is vanity. You do not waste money having to keep cutting it/styling it. Long hair is easily ‘put’ up in a pony tail or hair wrap. Its something God gave us,

Luke 7:37-38

37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was sitting at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
 
It depends on the order. I know the sisters of the Fraternity de Jerusalem are allowed to wear long hair but they will tie it up under their veils. These days the hair styles are variable meaning some women like to keep short hair while others don’t. I have seen older nuns with short hair.
 
Casilda said:
Women did not use to cut their hair. At the turn of the century, 1900, it became the fashion for women to ‘bob’ their hair, but was considered scandalous. This was a time when the longer skirts and long-sleeves also were shortened. The ‘roaring 20’s’ brought about sleeveless tops. The link you posted is dated 1928. For a woman to cut her hair is a modern innovation. I disagree that keeping long hair is vanity. You do not waste money having to keep cutting it/styling it. Long hair is easily ‘put’ up in a pony tail or hair wrap. Its something God gave us,

Luke 7:37-38

37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was sitting at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
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A woman’s hair is her crowning glory. This is why nuns cut off their hair. Traditionally, they just take the scissors and hack it off.
 
I have seen some different hair styles, so I really think it depends on the order. Obviously, if one is planning to spend the rest of her life with a veil on, hair might be more of a nusiance - especially if it is a warm climate.
 
It depends, usually on the length of the veil. Poor Clare’s clip their hair. Some Carmelites do too. The Carmel I’m discerning, the Carmelite Monastery of the Holy Cross, on your clothing day you cut off a lock to symbolize your desire to leave the world
 
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